Embracing Action: Surrendering to God's Care
Summary
### Summary
Good evening, everyone. My name is Al, and I am a believer in Jesus Christ who struggles with mental health issues such as low self-esteem, fear of failure, and high anxiety. Tonight, we are focusing on the importance of action in our spiritual journey, specifically through Step Three of our recovery process. This step involves turning our will and lives over to the care of God, acknowledging that only He knows the full extent of our hurts and what is needed for our healing.
Imagine trying to perform surgery on yourself after breaking a bone; it's impossible and insane. Similarly, we cannot manage our own recovery without God's intervention. Step Three is about taking action by consciously choosing to commit our lives to God. This step is crucial because it helps us break free from the cycle of guilt, anger, fear, and depression that often keeps us stuck.
Throughout my life, I have faced numerous critical decisions that required me to take action, from leaving an abusive childhood to serving in Vietnam and later becoming a GED teacher for inmates. Each of these decisions had a profound impact on my mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being. The key takeaway is that not making a decision is, in itself, a decision. Delaying the choice to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior is essentially deciding not to accept Him.
Step Three involves a decision-making process that includes evaluating how well we are managing our lives, considering our needs and God's ability to meet them, contemplating the necessary changes, and finally deciding that only God can manage our lives effectively. This step is like opening a door; all you need is the willingness to make the decision, and Christ will do the rest.
The acrostic for ACTION helps us remember the steps: Accept Jesus Christ, Commit to His will, Turn it over to God, It's only the beginning, One day at a time, and the Next step. Each of these steps is essential for a successful recovery and a fulfilling life in Christ. Remember, recovery is not a three-step program; it is a lifelong journey that requires daily commitment and action.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Insanity of Self-Reliance: Trying to manage our own recovery without God's help is as insane as performing surgery on ourselves. We must acknowledge that only God knows the full extent of our hurts and what is needed for our healing. Turning our will and lives over to God is the first crucial step in this process. [33:36]
2. The Importance of Decision-Making: Not making a decision is, in itself, a decision. Delaying the choice to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior is essentially deciding not to accept Him. Step Three requires us to evaluate our current management of life, consider our needs and God's ability to meet them, and finally decide that only God can manage our lives effectively. [39:48]
3. The Acrostic for ACTION: The acrostic for ACTION—Accept, Commit, Turn it over, It's only the beginning, One day at a time, and the Next step—serves as a guide for our recovery journey. Each step is essential for a successful recovery and a fulfilling life in Christ. [43:43]
4. Living One Day at a Time: Our recoveries happen one day at a time. If we remain stuck in yesterday or constantly worry about tomorrow, we will waste the precious time of the present. Jesus instructs us to live one day at a time, trusting that God will take care of us. [48:05]
5. The Next Step: The next step is to ask Jesus into our lives to be our higher power. This involves believing in His sacrifice, accepting God's forgiveness, switching to God's plan, and expressing our desire for Christ to be the director of our lives. This foundational step sets the stage for a lifelong journey of faith and recovery. [49:33]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[32:55] - Introduction and Personal Struggles
[33:36] - The Insanity of Self-Reliance
[34:38] - Steps One and Two Recap
[35:09] - The Cycle of Failure
[35:34] - The Importance of Action
[36:08] - Overcoming Negative Barriers
[37:34] - Personal Life Decisions
[39:48] - The Consequences of Indecision
[40:40] - The Decision-Making Process
[41:32] - The Cornerstone of Step Three
[42:37] - Overcoming Negative Perceptions
[43:43] - The Acrostic for ACTION
[48:05] - Living One Day at a Time
[49:33] - The Next Step
[50:33] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Revelation 3:20 (NIV) - "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me."
2. Romans 10:9 (NIV) - "If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."
3. Proverbs 3:6 (NIV) - "In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Revelation 3:20 suggest about Jesus' willingness to enter our lives? How does this relate to the concept of turning our will and lives over to God? [40:40]
2. According to Romans 10:9, what are the two key actions required for salvation? How does this align with the sermon’s emphasis on decision-making? [44:43]
3. In Proverbs 3:6, what is promised to those who submit to God in all their ways? How does this promise support the idea of turning everything over to God? [46:23]
4. What are the steps in the acrostic for ACTION mentioned in the sermon, and how do they guide us in our recovery journey? [43:43]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the imagery of Jesus standing at the door and knocking (Revelation 3:20) help us understand the importance of making a decision to let Him into our lives? [40:40]
2. Why is it significant that Romans 10:9 emphasizes both confession and belief for salvation? How does this dual requirement reflect the sermon’s message about the importance of action and decision-making? [44:43]
3. What does it mean to submit to God in all our ways as stated in Proverbs 3:6? How can this submission lead to a more effective and peaceful life, as discussed in the sermon? [46:23]
4. The sermon mentions that not making a decision is, in itself, a decision. How does this concept challenge our understanding of procrastination and indecision in our spiritual lives? [39:48]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you tried to manage a difficult situation on your own. How did it compare to the sermon’s analogy of performing surgery on yourself? What steps can you take to turn such situations over to God in the future? [33:36]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of making a decision to accept Jesus Christ. Have you ever delayed making a significant spiritual decision? What were the consequences, and how can you avoid such delays in the future? [39:48]
3. The acrostic for ACTION includes "One day at a time." How can you apply this principle to your daily life, especially when dealing with anxiety or fear about the future? [48:05]
4. The sermon discusses overcoming negative barriers like pride, fear, guilt, worry, and doubt. Identify one of these barriers in your life. What practical steps can you take to overcome it with God’s help? [36:08]
5. The next step in the sermon is to ask Jesus into your life as your higher power. If you haven’t done this yet, what is holding you back? If you have, how can you deepen your relationship with Him? [49:33]
6. The sermon mentions that recovery is a lifelong journey requiring daily commitment. What daily practices can you implement to ensure you are continually turning your will and life over to God? [43:43]
7. Think about a major decision you are currently facing. How can you apply the decision-making process outlined in the sermon to ensure you are aligning your choice with God’s will? [40:40]
Devotional
Day 1: The Insanity of Self-Reliance
Trying to manage our own recovery without God's help is as insane as performing surgery on ourselves. We must acknowledge that only God knows the full extent of our hurts and what is needed for our healing. Turning our will and lives over to God is the first crucial step in this process. This means recognizing our limitations and understanding that self-reliance in matters of spiritual and emotional recovery is not only ineffective but also detrimental. By surrendering to God, we allow Him to guide us through the healing process, providing the wisdom and strength we lack on our own.
When we attempt to control our recovery, we often find ourselves stuck in a cycle of guilt, anger, fear, and depression. This cycle can be broken only by admitting that we need God's intervention. Just as a broken bone requires a skilled surgeon, our broken lives require the divine touch of our Creator. Trusting God with our recovery is an act of faith that acknowledges His sovereignty and our dependence on Him. [33:36]
Jeremiah 17:5-6 (ESV): "Thus says the Lord: 'Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord. He is like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see any good come. He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness, in an uninhabited salt land.'"
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you still trying to rely on your own strength instead of trusting God? How can you begin to surrender these areas to Him today?
Day 2: The Importance of Decision-Making
Not making a decision is, in itself, a decision. Delaying the choice to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior is essentially deciding not to accept Him. Step Three requires us to evaluate our current management of life, consider our needs and God's ability to meet them, and finally decide that only God can manage our lives effectively. This step is about taking a proactive stance in our spiritual journey, recognizing that indecision can lead to stagnation and missed opportunities for growth and healing.
The decision-making process involves a thorough self-assessment of how well we are managing our lives without God's guidance. It requires us to be honest about our shortcomings and the areas where we need divine intervention. By choosing to turn our lives over to God, we acknowledge that He is better equipped to handle our struggles and lead us toward a path of recovery and fulfillment. [39:48]
James 1:5-8 (ESV): "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways."
Reflection: What is one decision you have been putting off that you know you need to make? How can you seek God's wisdom and guidance in making that decision today?
Day 3: The Acrostic for ACTION
The acrostic for ACTION—Accept, Commit, Turn it over, It's only the beginning, One day at a time, and the Next step—serves as a guide for our recovery journey. Each step is essential for a successful recovery and a fulfilling life in Christ. Accepting Jesus Christ as our Savior is the first step, followed by committing to His will and turning our lives over to God. Recognizing that this is only the beginning of a lifelong journey helps us stay focused on the present, taking one day at a time and always being ready for the next step.
This acrostic provides a practical framework for our spiritual journey, reminding us that recovery is not a one-time event but a continuous process. By breaking down the journey into manageable steps, we can stay committed to our path and avoid becoming overwhelmed. Each step builds on the previous one, creating a solid foundation for a life rooted in faith and guided by God's wisdom. [43:43]
2 Peter 1:5-8 (ESV): "For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Reflection: Which step in the ACTION acrostic do you find most challenging? How can you focus on that step today to strengthen your recovery journey?
Day 4: Living One Day at a Time
Our recoveries happen one day at a time. If we remain stuck in yesterday or constantly worry about tomorrow, we will waste the precious time of the present. Jesus instructs us to live one day at a time, trusting that God will take care of us. This principle is crucial for maintaining a balanced and focused approach to recovery. By concentrating on the present moment, we can fully engage with the process of healing and growth, without being burdened by past regrets or future anxieties.
Living one day at a time requires a conscious effort to stay present and trust in God's provision. It means letting go of the need to control every aspect of our lives and instead, relying on God's guidance and timing. This approach not only reduces stress and anxiety but also allows us to experience the fullness of God's grace and mercy each day. [48:05]
Matthew 6:34 (ESV): "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."
Reflection: What is one worry or regret that is preventing you from living fully in the present? How can you release it to God and focus on today?
Day 5: The Next Step
The next step is to ask Jesus into our lives to be our higher power. This involves believing in His sacrifice, accepting God's forgiveness, switching to God's plan, and expressing our desire for Christ to be the director of our lives. This foundational step sets the stage for a lifelong journey of faith and recovery. By inviting Jesus into our lives, we acknowledge our need for a higher power and commit to following His guidance and wisdom.
This step is not just a one-time decision but a daily commitment to live according to God's will. It requires us to continually seek His presence, rely on His strength, and trust in His plan for our lives. By making Jesus the center of our lives, we can experience true transformation and healing, leading to a fulfilling and purposeful life. [49:33]
Colossians 2:6-7 (ESV): "Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving."
Reflection: Have you fully invited Jesus to be the director of your life? What steps can you take today to deepen your relationship with Him and align your life with His plan?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "It's just as insane to think that we can manage our own recovery. This lesson is about putting our lives into the hands of the higher power because Number one God alone knows the extent of our hurts habits and hang-ups. Number two God alone knows what it is needed for healing. Number three God alone has our best interest in our heart." [33:36] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Step three in principle three is like opening a door. All you need is a willingness to make the decision. Christ will do the rest. He said, here I am. I stand at the door and knock. And if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person and they with me." [40:40] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The letter T in action stands for turn it over. Let go and let God. You have heard that phrase many times in recovery. It doesn't say just let go of some things to God. It doesn't just say let go of, turn over only the big things. Proverbs 3, 6 tells us, in everything you do, put God first. And he will direct you and crown your efforts with success." [46:23] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The letter O in action stands for one day at a time. Our recoveries happen one day at a time. If we remain stuck in yesterday or constantly worry about tomorrow, we will waste the precious time of the present. And it's only in the present that change and growth can occur. We can't change yesterday. And we can only pray for tomorrow." [48:05] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The next step is to ask Jesus into our life. To be your higher power. How? It's simple. Pastor Rick Warren, one of the founders of Celebrate Recovery, developed an easy way to establish a spiritual base, B-A-S-E, for your life. Ask yourself the following four questions. Seek to answer all four with yes." [49:33] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Step three is the action step. When we decide to turn the knife over to God we decide to ask Him to take control of our will and our lives. We have journeyed starting with step one faced our state of denial and admitted our powerlessness and inability to manage our lives. Then we went into step two. We have hope and sense of sanity that God can heal us." [34:03] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "But even after taking these steps we can still be stuck in the cycle of failure that keeps us bound by what? Guilt Anger Fear and depression. Throughout the years in facilitating step studies inside the Blount County Justice Center and here for our Welcome Home Open Share group I have made a big effort to make it clear has a major point of emphasis that you must take action." [35:09] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Step three in principle three requires us to work through a decision-making process that includes, number one, consider how well the present management of our lives, is really going. Number two, consider our needs, God's ability for the future. Number three, take time to contemplate the changes. And finally, number four, make a decision that God is only one able to manage our lives, that his will for us is best." [39:48] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "In step one and two, we establish the basis for turning our lives over to the care of God. The commitment we now make is step three, must be repeated more than once. Actually, we are just beginning to turn things over to God. Repeated working on the first three steps and principles helps to build a solid foundation for working the total program, the full journey." [41:32] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "In principle three, we change our identity. We change our definition of willpower. Willpower becomes a willingness to accept God's power to guide your life. We come to see that there is no room for God if we are full of ourselves. We need to pray the prayer the farmers, psalmist, excuse me, prayed when he said, teach me to do your will for you are my God. May your good spirit lead me on a level ground." [45:28] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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